Question

How is afterload related to the velocity of muscle shortening?

A) It has no effect on muscle shortening velocity.
B) It decreases muscle shortening velocity.
C) It increases muscle shortening velocity.
D) It varies with muscle type.

Answer 1

Afterload decreases muscle shortening velocity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between afterload and the velocity of muscle shortening is that afterload decreases muscle shortening velocity. Afterload refers to the tension that the ventricles must develop to pump blood effectively against the resistance in the vascular system. If the afterload is high, meaning there is increased resistance, it requires more force for the ventricles to pump blood, resulting in a decrease in muscle shortening velocity.